SOCCER: Omar Gonzalez coming into his own for Galaxy, U.S.

On June 18, the U.S. men's national team earned its third consecutive victory in World Cup qualifying by beating Honduras 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Jozy Altidore scored in his fourth consecutive match.

The win put the U.S. in first place in its group with 13 points. The Americans also earned their fourth shutout in six games with the help of Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez and increased their unbeaten streak in home qualifiers to 25.

"It was a very good month. We accomplished what we wanted to do," Gonzalez said. "We wanted to get nine points and obviously we're coming out of it with nine points and we're in good position leading up to the next games.

"Hopefully one more win will get us the qualification we're looking for."

The defensive performances have been led by Gonzalez and Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler, who have become the top choices in head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's central defense.

"I think Besler's a smart player," Gonzalez said. "It's really easy to play with him and he's easy to get along with off the field. Since our time together in January we've really gotten to know each other and I think that translates to the field.

"I think we're on the same page of how we want to play and what we want to do, so it's been pretty good playing with him. I've enjoyed it."

The recent results not only proved the U.S. is a formidable opponent, but it also strengthened Gonzalez's confidence that he belongs on the first team.

"I think that's one thing that I have learned," he said. "To not really question myself, to keep looking forward if I do make a mistake, get over it and look to the next game.

"Obviously five games in three weeks is pretty tough and my body held up well. I though it was a great three weeks and I'm just happy to be back here in L.A."

GETTING TOGETHER

The national team will regroup starting July 1 in San Diego in anticipation for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which takes place July 7-28. Klinsmann's team has been drawn into Group C along with Belize, Cuba and Costa Rica.

If Gonzalez, who was included in the 35-man preliminary roster, wants to play in the Gold Cup he'll have to wait until the final stages of the tournament because he wasn't included in the final roster.

Teams will have the opportunity to swap up to four players from the preliminary roster at the conclusion of the group stage.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen in the Gold Cup," Gonzalez said. "But if I get called then I'm ready to go."

The U.S. will face CONCACAF rival Guatemala on July 5 in San Diego in the team's only tuneup before the start of the 2013 Gold Cup.

"I think I always want to represent my country, Gonzalez said. "That would be nice, but on the other hand I want to be here to help the Galaxy as well, so we'll see what happens."

PAYING RESPECT

Chivas USA paid tribute to Julio Chavez, defender and captain of Chivas USA's U-18 team, with black armbands and a moment of silence before Sunday's match against the Galaxy.

Chavez was killed last Monday in a car accident in Modesto, his hometown. He attended the team's youth academy for three years and played 13 games in the U.S. Soccer development academy since suffering a torn knee ligament earlier in the season. He was 19.

Chavez graduated from Birmingham High School in 2012 and earned a full scholarship to attend Cal State Los Angeles. He is survived by his parents Francisco and Isabel Chavez and siblings Francisco, Claudia, Rafael and Cecilia.